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Boron nitride nanotubes were functionalized with microperoxidase-11 in aqueous media, showing improved catalytic performance due to a strong electron coupling between the active centre of microperoxidase-11 and boron nitride nanotubes.

The wettability of boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) films was modified using a combination of pulsed and continuous wave (CW) mode plasma. The combined mode effectively modified the wettability of BNNT films and kept the nanostructures intact. The BNNT films changed from superhydrophobic to superhydrophilic after combined mode treatment at 600 W min. In contrast, the contact angle controllable decreased linearly in a controllable way with increasing energy input before eventually becoming superhydrophilic after 1000 W min of CW mode treatment. A high concentration of graft functional groups formed, along with point defects. More point defects formed when using combined modes and higher energy input. Mainly amine functional groups were grafted by combined mode plasma, while the CW mode plasma led to more formation of amide and imine on the BNNTs. Research into controllable wettability and selection of grafted functional groups should enable promising applications of BNNTs in composites and biology in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Boron nitride nanotubes and nanowires in high purity and large quantity have been produced using an improved ball-milling and annealing method. Boron powder was first ball milled to produce nanosized boron particles with a metastable structure. The ball-milled sample was ultrasonicated in ethanol to break up large aggregates formed during high-energy ball milling. Isothermal annealing under controlled conditions produced nanotubes in two different structures (multi-walled cylindrical and bamboo nanotubes), as well as nanowires. The formation mechanisms of various nanostructures are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: High yield BNNTs have been synthesised through milling-assisted method with a mixture of B and Li2O. The growth mechanism of BNNTs has been clarified to be a catalytic growth. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction pattern indicate the ultimate phase purity of the thin cylinder BNNTs. Comparison of TGA results demonstrate promotion effect of BNNTs synthesis by the milled mixture precursors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]